Environmental Writer and Editor

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Consider the Meadow Vole

Wildlife crossings — you know, those fancy vegetated bridges and underpasses that help animals pass from one side of the road to the other — tend to be constructed with deer and elk in mind. That’s because the goal of most highway departments is to minimize collisions with the large, common mammals that most frequently damage property and harm motorists.

Reasonable enough, except that deer-specific crossings don’t always help small mammals, like raccoons, weasels, and voles. In my first story for Medium’s re:form collection, I explore why transportation agencies don’t sweat the small stuff — and how wildlife structures on Montana’s Highway 93 are helping even the smallest critters safely cross. (Also, I’m sponsored by BMW now!) Read “How Did the Meadow Vole Cross the Road?” on Medium.